Not very sure where the name Watt Government comes from. Not very sure about who were the Watt Government or if they released any other records. The only thing I know existed, the only thing that you can google, is this 7″. And maybe if you are lucky, like me, you can find a copy for a fair price. I’ve seen some Japanese stores sell it for good money, but it seems in UK it’s still not very well known so that’s your best chance to get hold of this fabulous single.

Among the people that carry the Watt last name and were related to some kind of government, I could find the Australian politician William Watt. But seems a bit strange that they would name the band because of this person. There’s also this news article from 1982: “Govt. auditors reported accusing Interior Secretary James Watt and wife of misuse of government funds; details given. Case noted involving their use of the Custis Lee mansion.” The headline for this news article was Watt / Government. Strange. Still doesn’t make much sense. Maybe the name is something much more obvious and I can’t figure it out!

Among some facts that are pretty clear to me is that the band was from UK and the record was released in 1986, our favourite year. Also, this 7″ has two songs, one on each side, my favourite being the A side, the catchy “Working My Fingers to the Bone”. The B side is good as well and it’s called “Waiting for a Phone Call”. It was released by Volume Records and this is number 18 in their catalogue. There’s not much liner notes but if it helps:

“Recorded at Lynx. Engineer Mickey Sweeney. Produced by Watt Government. (Special thanks to Martin Brammer, Dave Brewis). Re-mix at Fairview Studio by Mike Chapman, Roy Neave and Watt Government”

So what does it sound like? Japanese people would immediately label it Neo-Acoustic, and if that rings you a bell, that means that it sounds fantastic. Ok no, I’m kidding, it does sound fantastic, but that’s not a good answer. It’s what indiepop pre-indiepop sounded like. It does remind me to bands like A Craze, Tralala, Big Outdoor Type, Friday Club or The Moody Elevators. Very upbeat pop, with trumpets, horns, classy keyboards. And of course a girl singing. “Working My Fingers to the Bone” is without doubt, one of the best “discoveries” I’ve done in eBay this year. Yes, I bought it blindly, and Im happy that it was such a wonderful round plastic full of surprises, with fun arrangements like that whistles at the end or that “pop-pop-pop” sound at the start. What makes that sound? you tell me. I don’t have a clue what instrument it is. Then the chorus comes and I want to start dancing. The song continues it’s upbeat march: a very positive vibe even though the lyrics are not that positive. Gee! working your fingers to the bone? Maybe it’s a good message for these times of economic crises? Now it’s time to work work work! No vacations allowed because next day you may or may not have a job! Oh dear!

Please, if anyone knows anything or even a bit about this band, please share. I’m always eager to know more about people who made my day, who make life a little bit nicer everytime I put their music in my turntable.

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Listen
Watt Government – Working My Fingers to the Bone